By Meaghan Mancini / Laboratory Analyst II
The Magna Mike Thickness Gauge is a non-destructive testing device used to measure the thickness of materials. This type of gauge is widely used for inspecting the thickness of materials without damaging or altering the sample. Here’s an overview of how the Magna Mike Thickness Gauge works, some of its applications in the pharmaceutical manufacturing industry, and how it is useful at CS Analytical as part of our container and package system test program.
The Magna Mike is an ultrasonic thickness gauge that uses a magnetic probe to detect the thickness of materials. Unlike traditional methods that might require the sample to be cut, scratched, or altered, this tool can assess the material thickness without any invasive techniques. The Magna Mike uses a magnetic probe to create an electromagnetic field that detects the thickness of a material. The probe attaches magnetically to the surface of the object being measured even through coatings or non-metallic layers. The device then uses the data from this electromagnetic interaction to calculate and display the thickness of the material.
The Magna Mike Thickness Gauge plays a critical role in quality control for pharmaceutical manufacturing. Two common samples we at CS Analytical heavily test are bottles and blister films. Pharmaceutical bottles play a crucial role in the storage and protection of medications, liquids, tablets, or capsules, making the correct thickness of the bottle material essential for maintaining product safety and integrity. The wall thickness of pharmaceutical bottles, especially those made from plastic (like PET or HDPE) or glass, is key to ensuring the bottle can withstand the demands of handling, transportation, and the pressure from internal contents. If the walls are too thin, the bottle may crack or break, potentially contaminating the contents or creating safety hazards. Also, pharmaceutical blister films are commonly used for packaging solid oral dosage forms, such as tablets and capsules. The uniformity of the film thickness is critical to maintaining the integrity of the medications and ensuring the packaging provides adequate protection against external factors like moisture, oxygen, and light. Also, the correct thickness is vital for preventing the film from tearing, puncturing, or degrading during handling or transportation, which could compromise the medication inside.
At CS Analytical the Magna Mike Thickness Gauge is utilized to measure the wall thickness of pharmaceutical bottles at various points, such as the base, neck, and sidewalls. These measurements help to detect thinning areas or non-uniformity in the walls. In addition to bottles, the Magna Mike can also be used to assess the thickness of pharmaceutical blister films, particularly in areas near sealing edges where consistent material thickness is critical for maintaining seal integrity and barrier protection. For some clients, the measurements from the Magna Mike play an important role in supporting regulatory compliance by ensuring that both bottles and blister films meet the required thickness standards outlined by regulatory bodies, helping to uphold safety and quality assurance throughout the packaging process.
While the Magna Mike Thickness Gauge is a highly effective tool, it does have some limitations. One of the main constraints is that it requires the use of a small steel target (such as a ball or disk) placed on one side of the material, which the magnetic probe detects from the opposite side. As a result, it is most effective for non-ferrous or non-magnetic materials where this target can be positioned behind the surface being measured. For certain complex shapes or inaccessible areas, placing the target can be challenging. Additionally, measurement accuracy can be influenced by factors such as material curvature, surface coatings, and overall thickness. In some cases, these variables may impact the consistency or precision of the readings, which should be considered when evaluating suitability for specific applications.
In summary, the Magna Mike Thickness Gauge offers a reliable, non-invasive method for evaluating material thickness in critical pharmaceutical packaging components. At CS Analytical, we utilize this instrument to generate precise data that supports our clients’ quality assurance and regulatory compliance efforts. By identifying potential issues early in the production process, we help manufacturers maintain the integrity of their packaging and reduce the risk of costly failures. Our expertise with this tool ensures that clients receive accurate, actionable insights contributing to safer, more consistent products and greater confidence in meeting industry standards.